Year 13 student Lenka Cargill has been awarded the prestigious Raglan Community Arts Council Fine Arts Cup, recognising her outstanding achievement, creativity, and commitment to the arts at Raglan Area School.
Read more: Lenka wins top arts honour at Raglan Area SchoolArt teacher Levonne Fraser describes Lenka as, “one of those rare combinations of not only being talented but also very driven.” That drive has shone through all year as Lenka excelled across multiple disciplines, consistently pushing herself well beyond the expectations of a senior art student. “She arrives at school each day with unmistakable enthusiasm and a spring in her step,” Levonne says.
Lenka’s painting board theme – ocean pollution – reflects an issue close to her heart. Growing up near the sea, she has always felt a deep connection to the ocean, both through her art and her life outside the classroom. A dedicated member of the Surf Academy, Lenka has been surfing since she was a tiny tot. Her upbringing in Westport, on the rugged West Coast of the South Island, has shaped her into a true ‘wild west girl’ – energetic, adventurous and full of life.
This year, Lenka not only completed her painting folio boards but also produced a full set of photography boards – six boards in total – showcasing her versatility, work ethic and creative vision.
Looking ahead, Lenka’s future promises all the vibrancy of her artwork. Next year she plans to work on superyachts, combining her love of the ocean with her sense of adventure as she travels the world. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she goes back to study tertiary art,” Levonne says.
Raglan Area School is immensely proud of Lenka’s achievements and can’t wait to see where her talent, drive and spirit lead her next.
